A Pop art predecessor who helped pave the way to neo-Surrealism, Peter Saul is known for his luridly colored, contrarian depictions of popular culture and political history. In the 1950s and '60s, reacting against Abstract Expressionism's seriousness and influenced by Surrealist Roberto Matta, Saul began to paint everyday objects like iceboxes, steaks, and toilets in bright colors, along with political works like his series of graphic, cartoonish Vietnam paintings (1960s), which though had no clear moral message or political agenda, were evidently anti-Vietnam War. Jumbling references like Mickey Mouse, Ethel Rosenberg, and Willem de Kooning, his work also includes darkly humorous self-portraits like Oedipus Junior, in which the artist simultaneously pierces his eye with a paintbrush. More recently, he garnered attention for his series of Donald Trump paintings. His work is often compared to the riotous palettes and caustic wit of artists like Robert Colescott, Raymond Pettibon, and R Crumb.
In this, the first major monograph on his work, the book will include several contributions. Richard Shiff, the art historian, will write about the work from a more formalist and historical perspective. Annabelle Ténèze provides a substantive essay every period from the artist's long career. Critic Bruce Hainley will address the satirical aspect of the artist's work.
In this, the first major monograph on his work, the book will include several contributions. Richard Shiff, the art historian, will write about the work from a more formalist and historical perspective. Annabelle Ténèze provides a substantive essay every period from the artist's long career. Critic Bruce Hainley will address the satirical aspect of the artist's work.